Port Of New Orleans Resolutions Support St. Bernard Roadway Plan
The Port of New Orleans passed two resolutions January 18 to expedite the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, a roadway to connect the new, $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) being built in Violet, La., to Interstate 510.
The board unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to develop the project. The board also approved a resolution authorizing Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy Christian to enter into a contract with global consulting firm WSP USA Inc. for consulting services to develop a public-private partnership strategy for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. As part of the work, WSP will analyze potential financing structures, delivery methods, project governance and stakeholder engagement.
“The Port of New Orleans continues to prioritize development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor as a parallel project with construction of the Louisiana International Terminal,” Christian said. “We are pleased that this new terminal is serving as a catalyst project for a critical roadway that will support future growth in St. Bernard Parish.”
Louisiana lawmakers have already provided nearly $30 million toward early development costs for the LIT project, which is currently in the federal permitting and design process. The state of Louisiana also committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. In June, the Regional Planning Commission awarded a contract to GIS Engineering LLC to study the corridor and other roadway improvements that will support LIT in Violet.
“WSP is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Port of New Orleans and its partners on this strategic effort to bring this long-awaited project to fruition,” said Max Nasser, senior vice president of WSP USA Inc. “We understand the critical need for this link in the transportation network to serve the public and to spur economic development. Our experience in successfully delivering critical projects internationally, through all traditional and alternative delivery methods, will serve the port, industry and partner communities well.”
